He said: and Hercules smiled stern his joy
Elate of thought: for he had spoken words
Most welcome. Then with winged accents thus:
“Jove-foster’d hero! it is e’en at hand,
The battle’s rough encounter: thou, as erst,
In martial prudence firm, aright, aleft,
With vantage of the fray, unerring guide
Arion huge, the sable-maned, and me
Aid in the doubtful contest, as thou mayst.”
Thus having said, he sheathed his legs in greaves